Biden Empowers Federal Agencies to Monitor AI

 

Artificial intelligence has gone mainstream. As U.S. tech companies have raced to release shockingly powerful large language models, public reaction ran the gamut from rapture to horror. Policymakers from Washington to Beijing realized quickly that generative AI, and successive AI breakthroughs, would crown new market leaders, hand more decisions to machines, put cyberattacks on steroids and fundamentally alter people’s trust in what they see, read or hear. Biden has taken a keen interest in understanding the inner workings of large language models and how the U.S. could turn AI into a lasting economic advantage.

Biden’s White House issued a highly technical but far-reaching AI executive order last year that surprised even close observers with its ambition. The order mobilizes a wide range of government powers to tackle the potential risks of AI, in areas from discrimination to national security. It also sets new guidelines for safety, including standards for new models and marking synthetic content.

This move reflects growing concerns about the rapid development and deployment of AI technologies, which, while offering numerous benefits, also pose substantial risks to privacy, security, and ethical standards. The Biden administration's initiative aims to ensure that AI systems are developed and used responsibly, with appropriate oversight to protect public interests.

One of the key measures President Biden took includes issuing an executive order directing federal agencies to evaluate and enhance their capabilities to oversee AI technologies. This executive order mandates that agencies identify the potential impacts of AI within their domains and develop strategies to mitigate associated risks. It also calls for establishing guidelines to ensure that AI applications are fair, transparent, and accountable.

Biden’s executive order starts the clock for more than a dozen federal agencies to figure out what the gold standard for “safe, secure, and trustworthy” AI handling should be for their own operations, and in the case of the Commerce Department, for the private sector as well.

Biden’s White House issued a highly technical but far-reaching AI executive order last year that surprised even close observers with its ambition. The order mobilizes a wide range of government powers to tackle the potential risks of AI, in areas from discrimination to national security. It also sets new guidelines for safety, including standards for new models and marking synthetic content.

The sprawling AI executive order sets the federal government up to keep tabs on tech companies who are developing highly capable AI models. The impending regulatory scrutiny is already chafing Washington’s tech lobby. Additionally, whether federal agencies will have the resources to execute the Biden administration’s ambitious vision for an AI-savvy public sector will depend heavily on whether Congress delivers on the president’s budget request.

A significant component of this initiative is the creation of the National AI Initiative Office, which serves as a central coordinating body for AI activities across the federal government. This office collaborates with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to develop comprehensive standards and benchmarks for AI systems. NIST’s involvement is crucial, as it brings technical expertise to the table, helping to establish reliable metrics for evaluating AI performance and ensuring that systems adhere to high standards of reliability and fairness.

In addition, the Biden administration has prioritized the protection of civil rights in the context of AI. The executive order emphasizes the need for agencies to prevent AI systems from perpetuating discrimination or bias. To this end, the administration has tasked the Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission with actively monitoring AI applications to identify and address any instances of bias or unfair treatment. This effort aligns with broader goals of promoting equity and justice within technological frameworks.

Another critical aspect of Biden’s approach is fostering international collaboration on AI governance. Recognizing that AI development is a global phenomenon, the administration is working with international partners to harmonize standards and policies. This includes participation in initiatives like the Global Partnership on AI, which facilitates cooperation among nations to address common challenges and opportunities presented by AI technologies.

Moreover, the Biden administration has acknowledged the importance of public-private partnerships in the realm of AI. By engaging with industry leaders, academic institutions, and civil society organizations, the federal government aims to create a robust ecosystem for AI innovation while ensuring that ethical considerations remain at the forefront. This collaborative approach is intended to balance the drive for technological advancement with the necessity of safeguarding public interests.

The implications of these measures are far-reaching. By empowering federal agencies to monitor AI, the Biden administration is not only addressing immediate risks but also laying the groundwork for a sustainable and ethical AI landscape. This proactive stance is essential as AI technologies continue to evolve and integrate into various aspects of daily life, from healthcare and finance to transportation and education.

In conclusion, President Biden’s directive to enhance federal oversight of AI represents a comprehensive effort to navigate the complexities of AI development responsibly. By leveraging the expertise of federal agencies, promoting fairness and transparency, fostering international cooperation, and engaging with diverse stakeholders, the administration aims to harness the benefits of AI while mitigating its risks. This balanced approach is critical for ensuring that AI serves the public good and aligns with democratic values.

Full disclosure: This piece was created with the assistance of AI technology. Don’t let that scare you. Claims made have been verified for accuracy. See the reference list below.

References

The White House. (2023). "Executive Order on Promoting the Use of Trustworthy Artificial Intelligence in the Federal Government." https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2023/10/31/what-they-are-saying-president-biden-issues-executive-order-on-safe-secure-and-trustworthy-artificial-intelligence/

National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). (2024). "AI Standards and Frameworks." https://www.nist.gov/programs-projects/trusted-ai-framework-new-class-standard-reference-materials-and-data-exquisitely

 U.S. Department of Justice. (2024). "Department of Justice AI Initiatives." https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/attorney-general-merrick-b-garland-designates-jonathan-mayer-serve-justice-departments-first

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